Playas del norte... Domingo pasado (last Sunday) July 5th

Below are the photos from Zapallar - the beach and just playing around in the sun and sand! :)

Below are photos from Horcón and el día de san pedro

The photos below are from horse back riding on the beach with our malnourished horses! Hard to tell from the back on some, but they were! Poor caballos (horses)!

Below are all photos from Concón and Reñaca - the view of the ocean from the rocks and then the sand dunes on the other side of the road that we got to climb at the end of the day. And behind those dunes is another amazing view of the ocean!

Above: Can you spot the fisherman? :)

Hola!

Alright so I made some time to finish telling you all about my weekend. So sunday is where I left off I think. Sunday turned out to be THE most amazing day. I was worried it was going to rain because when I looked out my window that morning the clouds were hanging low and were all dark. So I expected the worse. I brought my rain jacket, beanie, and paraguas (umbrella). But as we got off the metro and were walking into downtown viña to meet the group and get on the bus, the clouds began to lift and the sun started to shine. And it just got better as the day progressed.

Our first stop was on the side of the road, and it had a great view (una vista) of the ocean (mar). we climbed onto the rocks and I took all kinds of pictures and just enjoyed the sound of the waves and ocean. I seriously cannot get enough of the ocean. I need to find a way to bring it home with me. It was cool though because across the street, which I didn't realize right away, were big sand dunes (dunas). we didn't have time to climb them then though. Oh and this little place was on the side of the towns Concón and Reñaca.

After that quick stop, we headed to a little place called Horcón. This little town I guess is very poor, but it was amazing how friendly the people there were. Our server at lunch, this older woman that owned the place told us that if we ever needed a place to stay in Horcón she would help us and would even offer her house. It was just so nice. It was cool too, because the day we went, Horcón was celebrating the day of San Pedro, the saint of the fisherman. I went to a celebration for him in Algarrobo, but I guess the true day to celebrate this saint was this past sunday (july 5th). They had all kinds of people out selling things, and people dressed in traditional clothing doing performances. It was so much fun. We had lunch here like I said, and I guess this place is known for their seafood empanadas. Sorry guys, I unfortunately did not try them. But some of the girls I had lunch with tried them and said they were amazing, especially the shrimp and cheese empanadas. I just had cheese empanadas...like always, but they were delicious! Especially with pebre, which I think I already told you guys about. So after lunch, we walked around looking at the things people were selling and then walked a little further down to the beach where we watched the waves and people and enjoyed the sun on our faces. It felt amazing! I can't get enough of here! But our time in Horcón was short, only about 3 hours and then in was time to leave and off to our next adventure.

Oh my gosh I almost forgot! Before we got to Horcón, we stopped at a little place right outside of there and we rode horses on the beach! I know it sounds amazing, and it was fun, but no exactly what I had pictured. For one, the horses were a little malnourished and I felt bad even riding one. And then the ride was really short. But I loved it despite that. I am sure stinky (melissa) is a much better horse rider than me, but I pretended for one day. ;) Oh and the crazy part, it was only 4 american dollars to ride...yeah cheap, but I truly felt bad for those horses. I found out after the ride that my horse was named Pescos. Pescos and I bonded for those 30 minutes. Haha. So after that we all got back on the bus smelling foul and like stinky horses and headed to Horcón.

After Horcón, we went to a place calle Zapallar. This is another beach town, but way more ritzy. The houses there were gorgeous and HUGE! It reminded me a little bit of home because the mountain were covered with trees and houses were nestled amongst the trees, but then I would turn around and see the amazing and powerful ocean. This was the best part. A lot of people took off their shoes and put their feet in the water, but I heard it was freezing and didn't want to get soaked and have to be freezing on the bus ride home. But I enjoyed my time there anyways. Just having the sun out and it making the ocean water sparkle was so beautiful to me. I would love to come back here once it warms up!

So after that we all got back on the bus still smelling disgusting like horses and then the mix of ocean water and a lot of people were sopping wet...Erin was one of them. :) But the bus ride was enjoyable because we were right on the coastline for the majority of the time and I would look out the window while listening to harry potter on my ipod and watching the ocean as I drifted in and out from napping.

We had one last stop though. We got to go back to that those sand dunas and climb up them. They definitely weren't as impressive as Bruneau sand dunes back home, but much finer sand and a way better view. One we got to the top we had a perfect view of the ocean as the sun was setting and then viña and valpo. It was the perfect way to end the day!

By the time the day was over I was exhausted. When we got home Pili made (yes made us) us take showers and eat dinner and get a good nights rest. She takes really good care of us. So thankful to have her as my host mum, and so thankfuk for the whole family actually!

But seriously the best day ever...I can't wait to enjoy these beaches in the warm weather. I bet they are even better, if thats even possible! :)